Party Brown Rice with Pistachios and Cranberries

Elevate your next gathering with this vibrant and flavorful Party Brown Rice with Pistachios and Cranberries! This show-stopping dish combines the hearty wholesomeness of brown rice with the sweet-tart burst of dried cranberries and the nutty crunch of roasted pistachios, creating a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. Sautéed onions and garlic infuse the dish with a savory depth, while a hint of ground cinnamon and a splash of lemon juice provide warming, aromatic notes and a refreshing zing. Finished with fresh parsley and optional sesame seed garnish, this dish is not only a visual delight but also packed with nutrients. Ideal as a side dish or a stand-alone centerpiece for holidays, potlucks, or any festive occasion, this recipe is as versatile as it is irresistible!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups brown rice
• 3 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.75 cup dried cranberries
• 0.5 cup roasted, unsalted pistachios, roughly chopped
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the brown rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, combine the brown rice, water, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 3

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.

Step 4

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Step 5

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 6

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 7

Add the cooked brown rice to the skillet and stir to combine with the onions and garlic.

Step 8

Stir in the dried cranberries, chopped pistachios, parsley, cinnamon, black pepper, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly.

Step 9

Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cranberries are slightly softened and the rice is heated through.

Step 10

Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice for a bright, tangy finish.

Step 11

Transfer the rice to a serving dish and garnish with toasted sesame seeds, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1405.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1359.9

Total Fat 60.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2474.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 184.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.0g	0%
Total Sugars 81.9g
Protein 24.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 383.8mg	0%
Iron 9.0mg	0%
Potassium 1555.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 39.4%

Protein: 7.1%

Carbs: 53.5%